Posted Sat Feb 03 09:40:12 EAT 2018

Kenya 7s through to Cup quarters at New Zealand Sevens

Samuel Oliech of Kenya (top) competes for the ball with Tavite Veredamu of France (centre) as Willy Ambaka of Kenya looks on during the Sydney World Rugby Sevens Series tournament in Sydney on January 27, 2018. PHOTO | MARK EVANS |

By AYUMBA AYODI

Kenya Sevens turned on style, beating Samoa and Canada before drawing with United States to ease through to the Cup quarterfinals of New Zealand Sevens in Hamilton on Saturday morning.

Kenya Sevens squandered their breathtaking 19-0 lead at the break to draw USA 19-19 to top Pool “D”.

The Kenyans had in their two opening matches claimed identical 19-14 victories against Samoa and Canada respectively for their clean run in the pool.

It was the first time Kenya is emerging unbeaten in the pool stage since USA Sevens during the 2015-2016 season.

Innocent Simiyu charges took to a flying start, when Nelson Oyoo and Jeffrey Oluoch landed before Samuel Oliech converted one to led 12-0.

Has Kenya Sevens finally regained its groove? That was the question as William “Lomu” Ambaka blasted through, evading some tackles to put his side 19-0 up after Oliech missed to convert.

Then Perry Baker gave USA a glimmer of hope with a try that Folau Niua converted to see them trail 19-7 at the break.

The second session proved tense with USA launching lethal attacks. Regarded as one of the fastest players in the Series, Carlin Isles ran the length of the field with the ball in his hand, zooming past the Kenyans to score.